Coalition ‘best for Bendigo’

Bendigo defence manufacturer Thales would be a big winner if a Coalition government came to power at the next federal election, according to Tony Abbott.

“I think it would be very good for Bendigo if Thales had a government that was more focused and single-minded in trying to ensure the Australian armed forces, wherever possible, are using Australian produced equipment,” Mr Abbott said while visiting Bendigo yesterday.

“It was the current government which completely neglected Thales when giving $40 million to the Americans for project development work for the light-armoured vehicle.

“It was only after the pressure the Coalition put on that as an afterthought $30 million was belatedly awarded to Thales.”

Mr Abbott said a Coalition government would help Bendigo be the “best it can possibly be”.

“I have five clear and deliverable policies that will ensure as far as is humanly possibly Australia keeps benefiting from the mining boom and keeps attracting resources investment,” he said.

“First, no carbon tax, second, no mining tax, third, restoration of the Australian Building and Construction Commission with full powers, fourth, less red tape, and fifth, less green tape.”